Since the advent of Lexus , enthusiasts have bemoaned the certain conservatism found in the Toyota luxury brand. Despite efforts to inject a little excitement into the lineup, they have remained rather stodgy — until now. The grades have finally been posted. Lexus got an F.
What Is It?
Originally, Circle F was the code for what would eventually become the Lexus division. After that, F was the internal designation for a special vehicle code, one that was made even though corporate powers that be said no. In a manner similar to Mercedes-Benz ’ AMG division, F is the designator for Lexus’s new “skunk works†department. The IS-F is its first high-performance vehicle.
Starting with the IS-350 as the blank canvas, Lexus has managed to shoehorn a huge motor into a pretty cool package.
What’s It Up Against?
The BMW M3 Sedan is the most obvious member of the IS-F’s competitive set. Add to that the Audi RS4, and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG .
Any Big Breakthroughs?
Eight is great. Eight as in an eight-speed direct sport shift automatic transmission. Its the tranny first seen in the flagship LS460 sedan. Direct to cylinder injection (known in other brands as direct injection) is new on the block as well, providing more efficiency in fuel burn. Finally, the engine is equipped with engine-oil and transmission-fluid coolers to save the engine and tranny while under high stress that the IS-F will undoubtedly see.
A new version of the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is on board which now offers three types of control: Normal mode as seen in other Lexus cars, the new Sport mode which allows the driver to push the limits further in braking, throttle and steering response and finally, the off mode which allows the driver to exceed the limits of physics and good sense, if they so desire.
How Does It Look?
When we first saw renderings of the (then) upcoming IS-F, we felt the nose was slightly bulbous and overly sculpted. After seeing the Japanese-built pocket rocket, we’d admit it looks much better in the flesh.
Low and wide, it is one of the more aggressively styled sedans on the road. It looks good at the moment. Its boy-racer ground effects may date the car prematurely before its time, but the IS-F is not alone with this fault. The exhaust tips feature two-tips per side through the rear fascia. A little over the top, but only time will tell if this design cue withstands the test of time.
Of course, it’s also important we don’t lose sight of the competition. We generally think the IS is better looking than the 3-Series sedan, but the body mods to the M3 Sedan and IS-F make both cars look busier and less streamlined than the models on which they are based. (That said, we still think the F is an overall better looking car than the BMW M3 Sedan - ed). As for its other arch-rival, the RS4, the decision will come down to personal preference.
And Inside?
A sporting style sets the tone of the IS-F, and it is present in the interior as well. Well-bolstered, single-stitched perforated leather seats set the tone, but opt for the solid color instead of two-toned version. A four-seater, the IS-F has a center console in-between the two rear seats (don’t forget this, it’s not the same as the regular IS). Overall, the seats are supportive and do not cause fatigue during long jaunts on our South Florida test loop. We are curious why cool seats are not offered, especially in this day of gluteal warming.
The perforated leather theme continues in the cockpit with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with F-spec paddle shifters for control of the eight-speed slushbox. The center stack houses a seven-inch monitor for control of the climate controls, voice activated navigation and Mark Levinson-sourced audio system with a 14-speaker Surround Sound system.
Carbon Fiber accents round up the interior with panels on the doors and the center console.
Cargo capacity would be in the range of good, but not great. With a nod to the new measuring unit of cargo capacity, the trunk will accommodate two golf bags or other items.
But Does It Go?
The IS-F features a five-liter V8, which pumps out 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque. Amazingly quick off the line, it posts 0-60 times of 4.8 seconds, and passing is a blast, especially when encountering one of those Australian-style “road-trains,†which are tandem style tractor-trailer combinations. Stepping on the loud pedal causes an immediate growth of chest hair. You can’t help it. It just happens. The sound of the mill winding up is a great auditory experience, but, as we are seeing more these days from several manufacturers, it comes from the intake manifold underhood, instead of the exhaust pipes out back.
With a curb weight of 3780, this hot-rod has a weight to power ratio of 9.1 lbs / per hp.
Many colleagues have carped over the fact that the IS-F is only available with the eight-speed automatic with Direct Shift. Not us. In a major metropolitan area where rush-hour seems to last a full twelve hours a day, it is a welcome relief to be able to let the gearbox do its own thing, and should the occasion arise where you would like to bang through the gears yourself, you can, either by the shift lever, or through the paddle shifters which we really enjoyed.
An F-tuned double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear keep the 19-inch forged BBS wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires (225/40R19 93Y front – 255/35R19 96Y rear) glued to the road. Brembo-sourced F-spec, cross-drilled 14.2-inch rotors and calipers in front, and 13.8-inch discs in the rear provide the stopping power, and they do work as advertised. There are apparently two schools of thought in regards to handling: German and Japanese. German favors firm, stiff cornering, while Japanese tend to add a touch of finesse to their form. One side is not necessarily better than the other; they are just different roads to the same destination.
The electric power steering is very direct and responsive to speed. Using the F sport mode adjusts to a more responsive steering feel with less assist. It’s a matter of preference but switching to F sport mode will increase fuel consumption when combined with remapping of the shift points. Speaking of consumption, the EPA’s numbers slot in at 16 city/23 hwy miles per gallon, with an average of 18 mpg. We saw 19.2 in a cross- state trip incorporating highways and city streets.
Road noise was surprisingly subdued on smooth surfaces, but did get noticeably louder on rough roads. Vibration was kept to a minimum, and fit and finish showed typical Lexus quality.
Apparently the local constabulary knows what the IS-F is capable of (or it was nearing the end of quota time), but while taking back roads through rural Florida, a county Sheriff pulled two cars behind ours and followed for nearly 15-miles, all the while continuing to blast his radar gun our way to see if we were getting happy feet and ready to take off. We behaved, avoiding the dreaded points and fees, to live another day. And Officer John Law went home empty handed, at least as far as we were concerned. But the feeling of driving a fast car slow is a tedious one!
Why You Would Buy It?
If you are a fan of Lexus/ Toyota reliability and quality and are interested in trying a different stab at performance and luxury, the IS-F is your ride. Ditto, for those who take part in track days and would like a ride that will get them to the circuit, turn some laps and get back home in the same day. It will satisfy the most demanding drivers and even result in a few more smiles per mile.
Why You Wouldn’t
Achtung! If you appreciate performance with a German accent, then the IS-F might not be for you.
MSRP: $56,000. Price as tested: $61,465. Includes Mark Levinson Audi o System, Intuitive Parking Assist, and Preferred Accessory package, and $765 transportation fee. See Leftlane‘s full pricing guide for details.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
